Ik vraag me af of zij thuis is.
English: I wonder if she is at home.
- Language
- Dutch
- Level
- B1
- Unit
- Bijzinnen en voegwoorden
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
In Dutch, 'bijzinnen met of' are subordinate clauses that start with 'of'. They are used to introduce indirect yes/no questions or to express doubt or alternatives.
When to use it
Use this structure when you want to report a yes/no question or when you are unsure about something. It is common after verbs like 'weten', 'vragen', 'twijfelen', or 'denken'.
Key forms
- 'of' + subject + rest of the sentence + verb at the end
- Example: Ik weet niet of hij komt.
Examples
We weten niet of het morgen regent.
English: We don't know if it will rain tomorrow.
Kun je zien of de winkel open is?
English: Can you see if the shop is open?
Hij twijfelt of hij mee zal gaan.
English: He is unsure if he will go along.
Tips
- In a 'bijzin met of', the verb goes to the end of the clause.
- Do not use a question word order after 'of'; use a statement order.
- Do not confuse 'of' (if/whether) with 'of' (or) in main clauses.